Frameworks Episode 20 Recap: How Dads Shape Family Health!
Frameworks with Carl Hardwick | CoachRx Podcast Network
Welcome back to Frameworks., this is a place for coaches who want more than just reps and sets. We dig into the principles, philosophy, and stories that help you coach with clarity, design with purpose, and keep chasing mastery.
Today’s episode is deeply personal. It’s about fatherhood, specifically, the role a father plays in shaping his family’s health and wellness.
I want to be clear up front: I don’t have all the answers. I’m not here to preach as if I’ve perfected this. But I have spent years thinking on it, praying on it, and doing my best to live it out in my own home with my wife and two boys, now ages 9 and 14.
And since today happens to be my 9-year-old’s birthday, I’m reminded of a Proverb I reflect on often, especially on days like this:
“What you believe molds you.”
As fathers, we are architects of culture in the home. The values we set, the example we live, and the health we prioritize, it all shapes the future of our children.
Health isn’t just what we do in the gym. It’s who we are in front of our families.
3 Frameworks for Fatherhood & Fitness
1. Have Extremely Clear Values
Your values are your aim. Don’t assume your family knows what you stand for, spell it out.
Define what’s right, what’s wrong, and why.
Write them down. Make them visible every day.
Live by them.
In my own home, we use the phrase: “What you believe molds you.” It keeps us anchored and accountable.
2. Set the Example
Children don’t copy what we say. They copy what we do.
If you want your son to be a good man, be one.
If you want him to respect women, show him how by respecting your wife.
If you want him to value faith, let him see you on your knees in prayer.
If you want your kids to move, move.
If you want them to eat well, eat well.
Our kids don’t need lectures they need living, breathing models to follow.
3. Integrate Health Into Family Life
Health shouldn’t live in a separate box. It’s not a program to “check off” after work, it’s part of who we are together.
Prioritize family walks, hikes, bike rides.
Take vacations that center on movement.
Cook meals together, play together, sweat together.
When health is a gift shared, not a punishment imposed, it becomes part of your family’s culture.
Application: Where to Start
For fathers listening (or reading), here are three places to begin:
Write down your family values this week. Even three clear statements can make a difference.
Audit your own behaviors. Where are you modeling what you want your kids to become? Where are you falling short?
Plan one family health practice this week. It could be as simple as a Saturday hike, a family workout in the garage, or cooking a healthy meal together.
For coaches: bring this into your work. Help fathers in your community see that their health choices are leadership choices. Training isn’t just about them, it’s about the example they set.
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, being a father is about stewardship. We don’t own our kids. We guide them.
And when it comes to health, that guidance is best done by leading from the front.
Have values.
Be the example.
Live health together.
Because one day, our children won’t just remember what we told them.
They’ll remember who we were.
Listen to Episode 20 Now
▶️ Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Spotify
📖 Catch up on past episodes + blog recaps
Have questions? DM Carl on Instagram @hardwickcarl
Frameworks is part of the CoachRx Podcast Network, your hub for principled, purpose-driven coaching conversations.
For more shows, visit: coachrx.app/podcast-network
Stay ahead of the curve and provide the best for your clients with CoachRx.
